Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: Combatting Cartels to Secure Our Southern Border
Release Date: November 30, 2024
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Guest: Congressman Dan Crenshaw

1. Introduction: Addressing Border Security and Cartel Influence

In this compelling episode of Morning Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe engage in an in-depth discussion with Congressman Dan Crenshaw about the escalating threat posed by Mexican cartels and the illegal fentanyl trade at the United States' southern border. The conversation sets the stage by highlighting the detrimental impact of past border policies and the urgent need for a robust strategy to dismantle cartel operations.

2. Formation of the Cartel Task Force

Congressman Crenshaw explains his selection to lead a congressional task force dedicated to combating Mexican drug cartels. He emphasizes the inadequacies of the existing border security bill (HR2), particularly its lack of focus on cartel-related issues.

Crenshaw (00:51): "There was nothing in that bill that dealt with cartels and that we had no real plan to deal with cartels from a legislative perspective."

He describes the task force as a bipartisan effort aimed at researching and formulating specific policy objectives to effectively address cartel influence.

3. Policy Recommendations to Combat Cartel Influence

Crenshaw outlines a multifaceted approach to tackling cartel operations both within the United States and internationally. His recommendations include legislative reforms, enhanced funding for specific agencies, and strategic collaborations with Mexico.

Legislative Reforms: One significant achievement is the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which now includes the ability to collect intelligence on entities involved in the creation of synthetic opioids.

Crenshaw (01:41): "We actually tie our own hands behind our back from intelligence collection using FISA against entities like cartel affiliates and Chinese companies that make the precursors for fentanyl, we don't even allow it."

Increasing Fines and Funding: Crenshaw advocates for increasing fines for entities that facilitate cartel operations and allocating more resources to agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to track financial flows, including Bitcoin transactions, used by cartels.

Crenshaw (02:20): "If you mislabel, for instance, air cargo purposefully and you're actually caught... make that $5 million or, you know, something like that."

4. Building a Partnership with Mexico

A critical component of Crenshaw's strategy is forging a stronger partnership with Mexico. He draws parallels between the current situation in Mexico and Colombia in the 1990s, suggesting that a similar cooperative approach could yield significant improvements in combating cartels.

Crenshaw (03:10): "Mexico has always given America the stiff arm, and that dates back to memories from the 1840s and Mexican American War."

He expresses optimism about the new Mexican administration's potential willingness to collaborate more effectively with the United States in dismantling cartel operations.

Crenshaw (04:05): "We're really hopeful about the new administration of Mexico. They took power in October, and I believe they will be a lot more pragmatic in allowing us to help them rid their country of what is effectively the most powerful terrorist insurgency in the world."

5. Assessing Cartel Operations Within the United States

The discussion shifts to the extent of cartel operations on U.S. soil. Crenshaw explains that while direct cartel members from Mexico might not be prevalent in U.S. cities, local gang members who collaborate with cartels handle drug distribution and other illicit activities.

Crenshaw (07:49): "They're the bosses of these people operating in any location in the US... but a lot of the traffickers coming across are probably U.S. citizens."

He also touches upon the issue of "gotaways" at the border—individuals fleeing from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—suggesting that their actions indicate deeper criminal activities beyond simple immigration issues.

Crenshaw (08:05): "If you're actually trying to evade border patrol, you're trafficking something, you have weapons, you're a criminal, there's something different about you that's the truth."

6. Future Steps and Legislative Initiatives

Looking ahead, Crenshaw outlines his immediate priorities, which include persuading the Speaker to establish a select committee focused on combating cartels. He highlights the inefficiencies of existing committee structures and argues that a select committee would streamline legislative efforts and provide necessary resources.

Crenshaw (09:41): "I'm formally calling on us to create a select committee to actually combat the problem."

He underscores the importance of expanding the task force's capabilities through increased staffing and funding, envisioning substantial progress with the establishment of a dedicated committee.

7. Addressing Gang-Related Activities: The Case of Tendar Agua

In the final segment, the conversation shifts to gang-related activities within the United States, specifically the rise of Tendar Agua operating in at least 16 states. While acknowledging the complexity and his limited expertise in this area, Crenshaw emphasizes the intertwined nature of local gangs and international cartels.

Crenshaw (10:36): "Criminals look for other criminals to work together with. That's how all of this works."

He notes that while Tendar Agua's exact operations require further investigation by the FBI and law enforcement agencies, the overarching strategy remains focused on dismantling the cartel infrastructure that supports such gangs.

8. Conclusion

Congressman Dan Crenshaw's insights provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions in securing the U.S. southern border against cartel influence. His emphasis on legislative reform, enhanced agency funding, and international cooperation with Mexico presents a strategic roadmap aimed at eradicating the pervasive threat posed by powerful drug cartels.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the November 30, 2024 episode of Morning Wire featuring Congressman Dan Crenshaw. For a deeper understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.